about
meet Alana
educator, mentor, cheerleader
Singing should feel good
I’ve been singing my whole life: When I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I need an outlet —Singing has always been my happy place. Despite that, I was a vocal late bloomer.
I struggled with technical issues that left me feeling strained, and tired. As I started to seek professional performing opportunities it became very clear that my way of singing just wasn’t sustainable.
Through study, trial and error, and -believe it or not- a whole lot of laughs I’ve created a growing anthology of exercises and techniques that release tension, build strength, and ultimately help your authentic voice shine through.
My objectives as your voice teacher
- Create a learning environment that puts you at ease and fosters curiosity
- Reframe mistakes into positive opportunities to learn lessons and grow
- Build your confidence, stage presence, and artistic expression
- Help you sing with Soul, Balance, and Strength.
Wherever you find yourself in your voice journey, I can guide you to the next level, because I’ve been where you are!
Atmosphere
No one wants boring voice lessons
Least of all me! A lighthearted and fun environment is key when it comes to learning. Human brains just aren’t wired to excel when we’re upset, nervous and bored.
I am here to help aspiring artists get out of their heads and into a playful learning space that works.
Our Story
BYU, Business Ownership, and Brain Cancer
AMJ Vocal Studio: The Little Side Gig that Could
As a sophomore in the Music Dance Theater program at BYU, I got a text from a number I didn’t recognize asking if I was accepting voice students. Excited -and honestly a little terrified- I threw together some pricing, a web page and suddenly, AMJ Vocal Studio was born.
By graduation that part-time college side-gig had grown into a full fledged studio with over two dozen students and a lengthy waitlist. Since the beginning, the studio’s growth has come 100% from the word of mouth recommendations from my network of wonderful clients and fellow teachers.
In 2022 Jared (the handsome redhead pictured in all these family photos) was diagnosed with grade 3 brain cancer. With the amazing support of my students, our little vocal studio became our sole source of income when Jared had to take a stint of unpaid leave in order to get surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
AMJ Voice Studio became a literal lifeline for us. Especially as Jared started radiation and chemotherapy the same month we welcomed our second son. Since then, Jared completed treatment, the storms subsided and our (not so) little studio continues to grow, all thanks to my amazing roster of students.
Education
Credentials & Qualifications
Students Taught
Years of Teaching
Student Recitals
“Why should I trust you with my voice?”
The simplest answer?
Because you deserve a mentor who eats, sleeps, and breathes vocal technique.
I’ve spent a lot of time singing. While on my own path to vocal mastery, I sought out every vocal exercise and methodology I could get my hands on. Through countless hours of study and experimentation, I overcame persistent vocal challenges and fatigue. In the process, I created a flexible and effective teaching style that:
1. Balances vocal passages
- Adds power and presence to the voice
- And builds vocal agility and dexterity
Training and Education
BFA in Music Dance Theater from Brigham Young University.
Voice Training: Gayle Lockwood, Michelle Boothe, Korianne Johnson, Kerilyn Johnson, Bailee Morris
Masterclass Instruction: Sutton Foster – Participant, Kelli O’hara, Leslie Odum Jr. Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin
Course work: Brett Manning Singing Success Completion, Betty Jeanne Chipman – Singing With Mind Body and Soul, Marci Daniels Rosenberg and Wendy DeLeo LeBorgne –The Vocal Athlete
Relevant Experience
Vocal Recording, Church of Jesus Christ– 2022
○ Voice talent and recording for TBA music project
Director, Best in KLAS Awards Show HIMSS 2019, HIMSS 2020
○ Cast, Recorded, Music Directed and Performed in the the Internationally attended Best in KLAS awards show in Las Vegas and and Orlando.
Voice and Dialect Coach, BYU MainStage – 2017
○ Voice, diction, and dialect coach for BYU MainStage production of Mary Poppins ○ Personal mentoring and cast wide instruction for 30+ mentees
Narrator, LDS Women’s Conference – 2017
○ Principle role narration and vocal performance in the BYUtv Marriot Center broadcast of Our Roots
Music Director, BYU Conservatory – 2015
○ Director of Next to Normal at BYU Conservatory Productions
○ Casting / Choreography / Artistic direction / Music production / Libretto editing / Set design
Selected Roles
Diana in Next to Normal, Rusty in Footloose, Titus in Titus Andronicus, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Yvette Pottier in Mother Courage, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins.
More recently, Alana could be seen on BYUtv as a narrator in the BYU Women’s Conference broadcast of Our Roots.
Let’s Get Started!
Schedule Your First Lesson Today